Tilter apparatus for electronic device having bias assembly

ABSTRACT

A tilter assembly is provided for positioning an electronic device such as a flat panel display. The tilter assembly includes a tilter shaft holder having an opening aligned along an axis and a shaft received within the opening. The shaft is rotatable about the axis, and may be coupled to a support. The tilter shaft holder is coupled to the electronic device. The tilter assembly also includes a torsion spring device in operative association with the shaft to provide a bias or counterbalance to the electronic device, thereby preventing undesired rotation about the axis. The torsion spring device may be adjustably tensioned by a tension mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/878,884,filed on Jun. 28, 2004, which is a divisional application of applicationSer. No. 10/461,637, filed on Jun. 13, 2003, the entire disclosures ofwhich are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tilter apparatus for positioningelectronic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates toa tilter apparatus having a bias assembly for adjustably positioning anelectronic device such as a flat panel display.

In the past people have placed video monitors and other electronicequipment on desks, tabletops, or upon other equipment such as personalcomputers or workstations. One drawback to these configurations is thereduction in available workspace taken up by the equipment. Anotherdrawback is the inability to place the equipment in a desired location.A further drawback is the potential for eye strain, neck strain and/or acumulative trauma disorder such as carpel tunnel syndrome from poorplacement of devices such as monitors and keyboards.

Different solutions have been provided in order to overcome theseobstacles. For example, in one solution, a monitor stand or printerstand elevates the apparatus over other equipment on a desk. While thismay free up workspace, it often places the equipment in an undesirablelocation. Another solution employs a mechanical extension arm to supportthe monitor. Extension arms free up workspace and allow users to placethe equipment where it is wanted. One such extension arm is shown anddescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,274, entitled “Arm Apparatus forMounting Electronic Devices,” which is fully incorporated by referenceherein. Another type of extension arm is shown and described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,409,134, entitled “Arm Apparatus For Mounting ElectronicDevices With Cable Management System,” which is fully incorporated byreference herein.

These extension arms may attach to a workspace and provide forsubstantial freedom of movement of the monitor or other equipment nearthe workspace. However, in many cases it is not desirable to tie theextension arm to the workspace itself. In these situations, theextension arm may be mounted to a wall near the workspace using a wallmount assembly. In the past, such assemblies have used a single mountingpiece that connects to the extension arm and attached to the wall.Unfortunately, this design may be unable to manage heavy or bulky loads,e.g., large screen monitors. Thus, there is a need for a wall mountassembly capable of handling these kinds of loads.

It is often desirable to obtain additional freedom of movement beyondthat provided by the extension arm. A tilting device can be used toaccomplish this goal. The tilting device connects between the extensionarm and the equipment, allowing the equipment to rotate about one ormore axis. One such tilting device is shown and described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,505,988, entitled “Tilter for Positioning Electronic Devices,”which is fully incorporated by reference herein. However, existingtilter devices may not be fully compatible with heavy and/or bulkyequipment, such as large screen monitors. Therefore, a need exists fortilting devices to address this concern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a tiltingdevice having an adapter plate and a tilter assembly is provided. Theadapted plate is for attaching to a device. The tilter assembly includesa tilter shaft holder, a shaft, an arm mount and a torsion spring. Thetilter shaft holder is coupled to the adapter plate and has a firstopening aligned along an axis. The shaft is received within the firstopening so as to be rotatable about the axis. The arm mount is coupledto the shaft and is adapted to engage a support. The torsion spring isreceived within the shaft, and resists rotation of the shaft about theaxis and provides counterbalance to the device.

In an alternative, the tilting device further comprises a lockingmechanism for engaging the tilter shaft holder. In this case, thelocking mechanism is adapted to prevent rotation about the axis.Preferably, the locking mechanism is a set screw adapted to furtherengage the tilter shaft holder. In another example, the tilting devicefurther comprises a bushing received within the first opening in thetilter shaft holder. In this case, the shaft is received within thebushing. Preferably, the tilter shaft holder includes a pair of tiltershaft holders and the bushing includes a pair of bushings receivedwithin the pair of tilter shaft holders. More preferably, a first one ofthe pair of tilter shaft holders is disposed at a first end of theshaft, and a second one of the pair of tilter shaft holders is disposedat a second end of the shaft. In further alternative, the tilting devicefurther comprises a set screw adapted to threadedly engage the tiltershaft holder in order to restrict rotation about the axis. In this casethe tilter shaft holder and the bushing each preferably have a slotdisposed along the axis. When the set screw fully engages the tiltershaft holder, both the tilter shaft holder slot and the bushing slot arecompressible to restrict rotation about the axis. In furtheralternative, the tilting device further includes a tension mechanism forpre-tensioning the torsion spring. The tension mechanism preferablyincludes a body portion that is insertable into the torsion spring.Optionally, the tension mechanism includes at least one boss and thetilter shaft holder includes at least one recess. After pre-tensioning,the boss is inserted into the recess such that the torsion spring issecurely received in the shaft. More preferably, the Boss and the recessare square-shaped. In another alternative, the torsion spring includes afirst tang at a first end. The first tang is operable to engage theshaft. More preferably, the first tang protrudes from the torsion springto engage an opening in the shaft. In a further alternative, the tiltingdevice further comprises a plug. In this case, the torsion springfurther includes a second tang at a second end of the torsion spring.The plug is adapted to engage the second tang and the tilter shaftholder. Preferably, the plug includes at least one boss and the tiltershaft holder includes at least one recess for receiving the boss.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, atilting device for adjustably mounting an electronic device is provided.The tilting device includes a tilter shaft holder, a shaft, an armmount, a torsion spring and a means for coupling the tilting device tothe electronic device. The tilter shaft holder has an opening alignedalong an axis. The shaft is received within the opening and is rotatableabout the axis. The arm mount is coupled to the shaft and is adapted toengage a support. The torsion spring is received within the shaft andresists rotation of the shaft about the axis and provides counterbalanceto the electronic device.

In an alternative, the tilting device further comprises a means forrestricting rotation of the tilting device about the axis. Preferably,this means is a set screw adapted to threadedly engage the tilter shaftholder. In another alternative, the tilting device preferably furthercomprises a bushing received within the opening of the tilter shaftholder. In this case, the shaft is received within the bushing. Morepreferably, the tilting device further includes a set screw adapted tofurther engage the tilter shaft holder in restricting rotation of thetilting device about the axis. In this situation, the tilter shaftholder and the bushing each have a slot exposed along the axis. When theset screw fully engages the tilter shaft holder, both the tilter shaftholder slot and the bushing slot compress so that rotation about theaxis is restricted.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, atilting device is provided. The tilting device includes an adapterplate, a tilter shaft holder, a shaft and a spring device. The adapterplate is for attaching to a device. The tilter shaft holder is coupledto the adapter plate and has an opening aligned along an axis. The shaftis received within the opening so as to be rotatable about the axis. Thespring device is received within the shaft, wherein the spring device isadapted to provide counterbalance to the device.

In an alternative, the tilting device further comprises a tensionmechanism operable to pre-tension the spring device. In this case, thetension mechanism preferably includes a body portion that is insertableinto the spring device.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, atilter assembly for counterbalancing a device is provided. The tilterassembly comprises a tilter shaft holder, a shaft and a spring device.The tilter shaft holder has a first opening aligned along an axis. Theshaft is adapted to be coupled to a support. The shaft is receivedwithin the first opening for rotation about the axis. The spring devicecomprises a torsion spring received within the shaft forcounterbalancing the device when attached to the tilter assembly. In onealternative, the tilter assembly may also include a tension mechanismfor pre-tensioning the torsion spring. In this case, the tensionmechanism preferably includes a boss and the tilter shaft holderpreferably includes a recess. After pre-tensioning, the boss is insertedinto the recess such that the torsion spring is securely received withinthe shaft. In accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention, a tilting device comprises a tilter shaft holder, a shaft anda torsion spring. The tilter shaft holder is adapted to be coupled to afirst member, and has an opening aligned along an axis. The shaft isreceived within the opening so as to be rotatable about the axis. Theshaft is adapted to be coupled to a second member. The torsion spring isoperatively connected to the shaft, wherein the torsion spring isadapted to provide torsional resistance between the first and secondmembers.

In an alternative, the tilting device further includes an assembly foradjusting the torsion of the torsion spring. In this case, the assemblypreferably includes a boss and the tilter shaft holder preferablyincludes a recess. The boss is insertable into the recess such that thetorsion spring is securely received within the shaft. In anotheralternative, the tilter shaft holder comprises a pair of tilter shaftholders each having an opening aligned along the axis. In this case, theshaft is received within both of the openings so as to be rotatableabout the axis.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a tilting device comprises atilter shaft holder, a shaft, and means for creating torsionalresistance. The tilter shaft holder is adapted to be coupled to a firstmember and has an opening aligned along an axis. The shaft is receivedwithin the opening so as to be rotatable about the axis and is adaptedto be coupled to a second member. The torsional resistance means createstorsional resistance between the first and second members.

In accordance with another embodiment, an adjustable extension arm formounting a device is provided. The arm comprises first and secondchannel members, first and second endcaps, and a tilting device. Thefirst channel member has a first end, a second end opposite the firstend, and a pair of sidewalls extending from the first end to the secondend. The second channel member has a first end, a second end oppositethe first end, and a pair of sidewalls extending from the first end tothe second end. The first endcap has first and second ends. The firstend of the first endcap is coupled to the first channel member about thefirst end thereof and to the second channel member about the first endthereof, and the second end is attachable to a support structure. Thesecond endcap has first and second ends. The first end of the secondendcap is coupled to the first channel member about the second endthereof and to the second channel member about the second end thereof.The tilting device is coupled to the second end of the second endcap andis connectable to the device. The tilting device includes a torsionspring for counterbalancing the device.

In an alternative, the adjustable extension arm further comprises aforearm extension coupling the tilting device to the second endcap. Inanother alternative, the torsion spring has an adjustable tension. Inyet another alternative, the tilting device further comprises a tensionmechanism for pre-tensioning the torsion spring.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, atilting device for supporting a user device is provided. The devicecomprises an adapter plate attachable to the user device and a tilterassembly. The tilter assembly includes a tilter shaft holder coupled tothe adapter plate and having a first opening aligned along an axis, ashaft received within the first opening so as to be rotatable about theaxis, and a torsion spring received within the shaft along a firstlocation. The torsion spring resists rotation of the shaft about theaxis and provides counterbalance to the user device. An arm mount isfixedly attached to the tilter shaft along a second location spacedapart from the first location.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, atilting device is provided, which comprises an adapter plate forattaching to a device and a tilter assembly. The tilter assemblyincludes a tilter shaft holder coupled to the adapter plate and having afirst opening aligned along an axis, a shaft received within the firstopening so as to be rotatable about the axis, an arm mount coupled tothe shaft and adapted to engage a support, a torsion spring receivedwithin the shaft, wherein the torsion spring resists rotation of theshaft about the axis and provides counterbalance to the device, and atension mechanism for adjustably tensioning the torsion spring.

In a further embodiment, a tilting device for adjustably mounting anelectronic device is provided. The tilting device comprises a tiltershaft holder having an opening aligned along an axis, a shaft receivedwithin the opening and rotatable about the axis; an arm mount coupledgenerally perpendicular to the shaft at a first position and adapted toengage a support, means for coupling the tilting device to theelectronic device, and a torsion spring received within the shaft at asecond position spaced apart from the first position along the length ofthe shaft. The torsion spring resists rotation of the shaft about theaxis and provides counterbalance to the electronic device.

In accordance with another embodiment, an adjustable extension apparatusfor mounting a user device comprises a first channel member having afirst end and a second end opposite the first end thereof, a secondchannel member having a first end and a second end opposite the firstend thereof, a first endcap having first and second ends, the first endof the first endcap being coupled to the first channel member about thefirst end thereof and to the second channel member about the first endthereof, the second end of the first endcap being attachable to asupport structure, a second endcap having first and second ends, thefirst end of the second endcap being coupled to the first channel memberabout the second end thereof and to the second channel member about thesecond end thereof, a tilter shaft holder having a first opening alignedalong an axis and being connectable to the user device, a shaft coupledto the second endcap, the shaft being at least partly received withinthe first opening for rotation about the axis, and a means for creatingtorsional resistance between the tilter shaft holder and the shaft.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, amounting apparatus for a user device comprises a first channel memberhaving a first end and a second end opposite the first end thereof, asecond channel member having a first end and a second end opposite thefirst end thereof, a first endcap having first and second ends, thefirst end of the first endcap being coupled to the first channel memberabout the first end thereof and to the second channel member about thefirst end thereof, the second end of the first endcap being attachableto a support structure, a second endcap having first and second ends,the first end of the second endcap being coupled to the first channelmember about the second end thereof and to the second channel memberabout the second end thereof, a tilter shaft holder having a firstopening aligned along an axis and being connectable to the user device,a shaft coupled to the second endcap and being rotatable about the axisof the tilter shaft holder, a spring device received within the shaftfor counterbalancing the user device, and a tension mechanism foradjustably tensioning the spring device.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, atilting device comprises a tilter shaft holder adapted to be coupled toa first member, the holder having an opening aligned along an axis, ashaft received within the opening so as to be rotatable about the axis,the shaft adapted to be coupled to a second member by an arm mountattached substantially perpendicular to the shaft at a first positiontherealong, and a torsion spring operatively connected to the shaft at asecond position along the length of the shaft different from the firstposition. The torsion spring is adapted to provide torsional resistancebetween the first and second members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a rail-mounted extension arm assembly connected to atilting device for adjustably mounting an electronic device inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the extension arm of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a rail mounting assembly in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate several views of the rail mounting assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate views of upper and lower mounts of a rail mountingassembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A-B illustrate perspective views of a tilter device in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly drawing of a tilter assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8A-B illustrate a tilter shaft holder in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A-C illustrate a tilter arm in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded assembly drawing of a torsional tilter assemblyin accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will beappreciated when considered with reference to the following descriptionof preferred embodiments and accompanying figures. In describing thepreferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the figures,specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, theinvention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms soselected, and it is to be understood that each term selected includesall technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplisha similar purpose.

FIG. 1 illustrates an extension arm 100 engaged at one end to a railmount 200 and attached to a tilting device 300 at the other end. Therail mount 200 may be affixed to a wall or other substantially flatsurface. The features of the rail mount 200 will be explained in moredetail below with regard to FIGS. 3-5. The tilting device 300 is adaptedto attach to an electronic device, and provides a bias or counterbalanceso that the electronic device can be readily maintained in a desiredposition. While the electronic device is described below as a flatscreen monitor or other video monitor, the invention is not limited touse with such devices, and may be used with a wide variety of equipment.The features of the tilting device 300 will be explained in more detailbelow with regard to FIGS. 6-10.

The extension arm 100 may be a conventional extension arm, and will nowbe described generally with reference to FIG. 2. Preferably, theextension arm 100 is one of the types fully described inabove-referenced U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,409,134 and 6,478,274. As shown inFIG. 2, the extension arm 100 includes a first endcap 102, an arm 120, asecond endcap 130 and a forearm extension 140.

The first endcap 102 includes a housing 104 attached to one end of thearm 120 by, for example, pins 106. At least one shaft 108 is adapted forconnection to the rail mount 200. Preferably, the shaft 108 comprises alower shaft 108 a and an upper shaft 108 b separately engaged to thehousing 104. One or both of the lower shaft 108 a and the upper shaft108 b may be integrally molded with an endwall of the housing 104.Alternatively, one or both of the lower shaft 108 a and the upper shaft108 b may be secured to the housing 104 by sleeves 110. In this case,the sleeves 110 may be affixed to the top and bottom endwalls of thehousing 104 by screws 112. The shaft 108 may be covered at either end bytop hat plugs 114 to enhance the visual appearance.

The arm 120 is preferably formed of an upper housing 122 and a lowerhousing 124. The upper housing 122 and the lower housing 124 define achamber therebetween containing, e.g., a gas spring (not shown). The gasspring is preferably adjustably mounted at one end within the firstendcap 102 and at the other end to, e.g., a ball stud mounted within theupper housing 122. As shown in FIG. 2, the arm 120 may include one ormore external cable ties 126 in order to secure the cable of anelectronic device supported by the extension arm 100. Alternatively, thecable may be secured within the arm 120 as shown and described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,409,134.

The second endcap 130 has a housing 132 attached to the second end ofthe arm 120 by, for example, pins 106. A shaft 134 preferably extendsout of the top of the housing 132 and connects to the forearm extension140. The forearm extension 140 includes a body 142 having channels 144and 146 at each end thereof. The shaft 134 is received within thechannel 146, and the forearm extension 140 is rotatable about the shaft134. A bushing 160 may be received within the channel 144. The tiltingdevice 300 can be inserted into the bushing 160, and is rotatable withinthe channel 144. The forearm extension 140 preferably has a lockingmechanism for restricting movement of the tilting device 300 within thechannel 144. The locking mechanism may be a set screw 148 that isinsertable into a wall of the channel 144. When the set screw 148 istightened, it causes the bushing 160 to flex inward and frictionallyengage the tilting device 300 and thus prevent the tilting device 300from rotating within the channel 144.

The upper housing 122, the lower housing 124, the first endcap 102 andthe second endcap 130 are configured so as to form an adjustableparallelogram. When configured, the housing 104 of the first endcap 102and the housing 132 of the second endcap 130 point in oppositedirections. The shape of the parallelogram is retained by the gas springwithin the chamber of the arm 120. Generally, the gas spring is sized soas to have a fixed length until an upward or downward force is exertedat the second endcap 130 that exceeds the gas spring's designedresistance. Thus, the gas spring retains the parallelogram shape whenthe only force exerted at the second endcap 130 is the weight of theflat screen device. However, the gas spring permits the parallelogramshape to be adjusted when a user pushes the flat screen device, which ispreferably coupled to the forearm extension 140 by means of the tiltingdevice 300, up or down.

Referring back to FIG. 1, it can be seen that both the upper shaft 108 band, the lower shaft 108 a are engaged with the rail mount 200. FIG. 3illustrates the rail mount 200 in more detail. The rail mount 200includes a wall mount 202, a lower mount 220 and an upper mount 250. Thewall mount 202 may be formed of a metal or other suitable material. Thewall mount 202 includes a pair of opposing, parallel rails 204, whichdefine an elongated opening to receive the lower mount 220 and the uppermount 250. An axis A is defined along a line between the rails 204. Theshafts 108 a,b of the first endcap 102 are pivotal about the axis A, aswill be described below. The wall mount 202 may have one or more holes206 adapted to receive fasteners for attaching the wall mount 202 to asurface. While the holes 206 are shown in FIGS. 4A-C spaced along theaxis A between the rails 204, the holes 206 may be located in anyposition on the wall mount 202. Preferably, the holes 206 are located sothat they are not covered by or interfere with placement of the lowermount 220 and the upper mount 250. As seen in FIGS. 4A-C, the wall mount202 may also include holes 208 for attaching the upper mount 250, aswill be explained below.

It can be seen in FIGS. 4B and 5B, that the lower mount 220 includes abody 222, a “T” structure 224, and flanges 226. The body 222 includes acentral opening 230, which would be aligned along the axis A. Thecentral opening 230 is adapted to receive a bottom bushing 232 as seenin FIG. 3. The bottom end of the lower shaft 108 a of the first endcap102 is insertable into the bottom bushing 232. The bottom bushing 232provides a bearing surface upon which the bottom end of the lower shaft108 a may rotate. Preferably, the bottom bushing 232 is made of plastic,providing a smooth surface that minimizes friction and avoidsmetal-to-metal contact between the lower shaft 108 a and the body 222.Moreover, a lip 246 of the bottom bushing 232 (FIG. 4B) preferablyprotrudes from the central opening 230 and acts as a washer between thelower sleeve 110 of the first endcap 102 and the body 222. This againminimizes friction, and avoids metal-to-metal contact. The bottombushing 232 may comprise separate pieces 232 a and 232 b, as shown inFIG. 4B. The piece 232 a preferably includes the lip 246. The separatepieces 232 a and 232 b may be press fit into the central opening 230.

As seen in FIG. 3, the T structure 224 is insertable into the rails 204,and the flanges 226 ride over the rails 204. The T structure 224 and theflanges 226 are structured to engage opposite faces of the rails 204.Thus, the lower mount 220 can slideably engage the rails 204 along theaxis A. The lower mount 220 may be removably or permanently affixed tothe wall mount 202. As shown in FIG. 4A, the lower mount is preferablypermanently attached to the wall mount 202 by welding the T structure224 to the body of the wall mount 202 and/or by welding the flanges 226to the rails 204.

Returning to FIG. 3, a wrapper 236 may cover the body 222. The wrapper236 may be, for example, plastic sheeting to prevent abrasion betweenthe arm 120 and the body 222. The wrapper 236 may be attached to thebody 222 using screws or other fasteners 238 that are insertable intoholes 242, which are shown in FIG. 5B. Alternatively, the wrapper 236may be glued or otherwise adhered to the body 222. The wrapper 236 maybe selected based upon color, texture, durability, cost and/or othercriteria.

The body 222 preferably includes a locking mechanism for restrictingmovement of the bottom end of the lower shaft 108 a within the centralopening 230. As shown in FIG. 4B, the locking mechanism is preferably aset screw 240 that is insertable into a hole 234 in a wall of the body222. When the set screw 240 is tightened, it causes the bottom bushing232 to flex inward and frictionally engage the bottom end of the lowershaft 108 a and thus prevent the first endcap 102 from rotating aboutthe axis A. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be any othermechanism, e.g., a latch, clamp, clasp or hasp, which is capable ofperforming the equivalent function to constrict rotation about the axisA. When the bottom bushing 232 comprise the separate pieces 232 a and232 b, the set screw 240 is preferably placed to cause the piece 232 ato flex inward and frictionally engage the bottom end of the lower shaft108 a.

The upper mount 250 is illustrated by the exploded view of FIG. 5A. Theupper mount 250 includes a body 252, an extended “T” structure 254, andflanges 256. The body 252 includes a central opening 260, which will bealigned with the axis A and the central opening 230 of the lower mount220 when the upper mount 250 is inserted into the rails 204. The centralopening 260 is adapted to receive a top bushing 262, which may be pressfit therein. The top end of the upper shaft 108 b of the first endcap102 is insertible into the top bushing 262. The top bushing 262 providesa bearing surface upon which the top end of the upper shaft 108 b mayrotate. Preferably, the top bushing 262 is made of plastic, providing asmooth surface that minimizes friction and avoids metal-to-metal contactbetween the upper shaft 108 b and the body 252. Moreover, a lip 276 ofthe top bushing 262 (FIG. 5A) preferably protrudes from the centralopening 260 and acts as a washer between the upper sleeve 110 of thefirst endcap 102 and the body 252. This again minimizes friction, andavoids metal-to-metal contact.

As seen in FIG. 3, the extended T structure 254 is insertable into therails 204, and the flanges 256 ride over the rails 204. Thus, the uppermount 250 can slideably engage the rails 204 along the axis A. Theextended T structure 254 preferably includes a portion 258 that extendspast the body 252. The portion 258 preferably includes one or more holes268 having the same size and spacing as the holes 208 of the wall mount202. The upper mount 250 may be removably affixed to the wall mount 202using a retaining mechanism. For example, the retaining mechanism may bescrews 272 or other fasteners inserted through the holes 268 into theholes 208 of the wall mount 202.

As seen in FIG. 3, a wrapper 266 may cover the body 252. The wrapper 266may be, for example, a plastic sheeting to prevent abrasion between thearm 120 of the extension arm 100 and the body 252. The wrapper 266 maybe attached to the body 252 using screws or other fasteners 258 that areinsertable into holes 274, which are shown in FIG. 5A. Alternatively,the wrapper 266 may be glued or otherwise adhered to the body 252. Thewrapper 266 may be selected based upon color, texture, durability, costand/or other criteria.

Returning to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the lower and upper shafts 108a,b of the first endcap 102 are securely retained by the lower mount 220and the upper mount 250, respectively. A user may adjust the placementof a flat screen monitor by pivoting the lower and upper shafts 108 a,babout the axis A. Once the desired position is attained, the user cansecure the shafts 108 a,b by tightening the set screws 240 and 270 inthe lower mount 220 and the upper mount 250, respectively.

As described above, the lower mount 220 need not be permanently affixedto the wall mount 202. Instead, it is possible to adjustably positionthe lower mount 220 and the upper mount 250 at desired points along theaxis A by removably securing the lower mount 220 and the upper mount 250to the wall mount 202. For example, the extended T structure 254 havingthe holes 268 may be used in place of the T structure 224. In thisexample, the wall mount 202 may include a series of holes 208 spacedalong the axis A. The user could affix the wall mount 202 to a surface,position the lower mount 220 at a desired height by selecting theappropriate pair of holes 208, and affix the lower mount to the wallmount 202 by fastening screws 272 through the holes 268 into theselected holes 208. Then the lower end of the lower shaft 108 a isinserted into the central opening 230 of the lower mount 220. The uppermount 250 is then lowered along the rails 204 until the upper end of theupper shaft 108 b is engaged by the central opening 260 of the uppermount 250.

As shown in the figures and described above, the rail mount 200 retainsthe extension arm 100 and allows it to rotate about the axis A so that auser may position a flat panel monitor in a desired location. The loadand the torque generated by the flat panel monitor are distributedacross both the lower mount 220 and the upper mount 250. The upper mount250 ensures that the shafts 108 a,b are securely retained, and allowsthe rail mount 200 to sustain a heavier load than situations in whichonly the lower mount 220 is used.

The tilting device 300 is shown in detail in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Itincludes an adapter plate 302 and a tilter assembly 340. The adapterplate 302 may be secured to a flat screen monitor by screws 304 insertedthrough slots 310. Preferably, a lock washer 306 and a flat washer 308are placed between the head of each screw 304 and the adapter plate 302.A base plate pad 312 may be secured to the adapter plate 302 by one ormore screws 314. The base plate pad 312 serves to prevent abrasion ofthe adapter plate 302 with the arm 120, and is preferably the samematerial as the wrappers 236 and 266 of the rail mount 200. The adapterplate 302 preferably also includes one or more holes 316 along a side318 and one or more holes 320 in a central portion 322 for securingcomponents of the tilter assembly 340, as will be described below.

The tilter assembly 340 includes tilter shaft holders 342, bushings 344,a tilter shaft 346, an arm mount 348, a tilter arm 350, at least onespring 352 and a locking mechanism 354. The tilter shaft holders 342 maybe affixed to the adapter plate 302 by fasteners 324 inserted throughthe holes 320 in the adapter plate 302 and through the holes 372 (FIG.7) in a base portion of the tilter shaft holders 342. As shown in FIGS.6A-B, two tilter shaft holders 342 engage the tilter shaft 346, which isrotatable about an axis B. In alternate embodiments, a single tiltershaft holder 342 may engage one or both ends of the tilter shaft 346.The tilter shaft holder(s) 342 is preferably a metal such as aluminum.

The tilter shaft holder 342 is shown in more detail in the side andbottom views of FIGS. 8A-B, respectively. A shaft opening 360 isdimensioned so as to receive the bushing 344 and the tilter shaft 346therein. A slot 362 is provided along the sidewall of the shaft opening360. Preferably, the slot 362 extends the length of the shaft opening360. A bore 374 preferably extends through a first flange 376 into astem 378 of the tilter shaft holder 342. The tilter shaft holder 342 mayinclude a second flange 380 opposite the first flange 376. The lockingmechanism 354 is preferably a set screw, and the bore 374 is preferablyat least partly threaded to receive the set screw. The threads of theset screw may be coated with nylon to securely engage the set screw withthe bore 374. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 354 may be any othermechanism, e.g., a latch, clasp, hasp or clamp, which performs theequivalent function to constrict rotation about the axis B.

As seen in the exploded view of FIG. 7, the bushing 344 includes a slot364 provided along its sidewall. Preferably, the slot 364 extends thelength of the sidewall of the bushing 344 such that the bushing 344 hasa non-closed annular shape. The bushing 344 is preferably a metal suchas bronze. The bushing 344 is inserted into the shaft opening 360. Theslot 364 of the bushing 344 need not be aligned with the slot 362 of thetilter shaft holder 342. The tilter shaft 346 may then be inserted intoshaft opening 360.

A washer 366 and a retaining ring 368 may be inserted over the tiltershaft 346 and the bushing 344. An endcap 370 may cover this portion ofthe tilter assembly 340. The endcap 370 may be a plastic plug or othersuitable covering.

The arm mount 348 may be inserted into the channel 144 of the forearmextension 140 (FIG. 2). As seen in FIG. 7, the arm mount 348, in thenature of a shaft, may extend perpendicularly through the tilter shaft346. Preferably, both the arm mount 348 and the tilter shaft 346 are ametal such as aluminum. The arm mount 348 may be welded to the tiltershaft 346. When the arm mount 348 is securely attached to the forearmextension 140, the adapter plate 302 may be adjusted, rotating about theaxis B until the electronic device is appropriately positioned. Then thelocking mechanism 354 may be engaged by, e.g., inserting the set screwinto the bore 374 and tightening to close the slot 362 and the slot 364,as seen in FIG. 6B, to restrict motion about the axis B. A lock washer356 and/or a protective washer 358 may separate the head of the setscrew from the tilter shaft holder 342.

As seen in FIG. 9, the tilter arm 350 preferably attaches to the tiltershaft 346 by connection to an end of the arm mount 348. The tilter arm350 may be welded to the arm mount 348. At the end of the tilter arm350, one or more holes or slots 382 are preferably provided for thesprings 352 to engage. The springs 352 attach at one end to the holes316 along the side 318 of the adapter plate 302 and attach at the otherend to the holes 382 in the tilter arm 350. One or more of the springs352 is preferably removable, which allows the user to adjust thebiasing/counterbalancing. Preferably, the end 384 of the tilter arm 350is shaped so that tilter arm 350 does not interfere with or otherwisecontact the springs 352. As seen in the figure, the end 384 has a “J”shape to achieve this goal.

The springs 352 provide a counterbalance or bias to ensure that a heavyand/or bulky electronic device does not cause the adapter plate 302 torotate about the axis B even though the locking mechanism 354 isengaged. While a single spring 352 may be used, preferably two or moresprings are employed. As seen in FIG. 6B, the springs 352 may includedifferent kinds of springs 352 a and 352 b, which may be selecteddepending upon the weight of the electronic device attached to theadapter plate 302. The springs 352 a,b may be selected to have differentspring tensions. The springs 352 are preferably made from steel springwire. The springs 352 may be viewed generally as a biasing device, andother devices or structures capable of providing such biasing may beusing in place of or complementary with the springs 352.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a tilter assembly 400 isprovided having an internal torsion spring to achieve the same result asthe external springs 352 and the tilter arm 350. The tilter assembly 400includes a tilter shaft holder 402, a bushing 420, a tilter shaft 430,an arm mount 440, a torsion spring 450, a tension mechanism 460 and alocking mechanism 470. The tilter shaft holder 402 may be affixed to theadapter plate 302 (FIGS. 6A-B) by the fasteners 324 inserted through theholes 320 in the adapter plate 302 and through holes 408 in a baseportion of the tilter shaft holder 402. As shown in FIG. 10, two tiltershaft holders 402 engage the tilter shaft 430, which is rotatable aboutan axis C. In alternate embodiments, a single tilter shaft holder 342may engage one or both ends of the tilter shaft 346. The tilter shaftholder(s) 402 is preferably a metal such as aluminum.

A shaft opening 404 is dimensioned so as to receive the bushing 420 andthe tilter shaft 430 therein. A slot 406 is provided along the sidewallof the shaft opening 404. Preferably, the slot 406 extends the length ofthe shaft opening 404. A bore (not shown) preferably extends through afirst flange 408 into a stem 410 of the tilter shaft holder 402, as withthe bore 374 of the tilter shaft holder 342 (FIG. 8A). The tilter shaftholder 402 may include a second flange 412 opposite the first flange408. The locking mechanism 470 is preferably a set screw, and the boreis preferably at least partly threaded to receive the set screw. Thethreads of the set screw may be coated with nylon to securely engage theset screw with the bore. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 470 may beany other mechanism, e.g., a clasp, hasp, latch or clamp, which performsthe equivalent function to constrict rotation about the axis C. Thetilter shaft holder 402 preferably includes one or more recesses 414 anda hole 416 for receiving the tension mechanism 460, as will be describedbelow.

The bushing 420 includes a slot 422 provided along its sidewall.Preferably, the slot 422 extends the length of the sidewall of thebushing 420 such that the bushing 420 has a non-closed annular shape.The bushing 420 is preferably a metal such as bronze. The bushing 420 isinserted into the shaft opening 404. The slot 422 of the bushing 420need not be aligned with the slot 406 of the tilter shaft holder 402.The tilter shaft 430 may then be inserted into shaft opening 404.

The arm mount 440 may be inserted into the channel 144 of the forearmextension 140 (FIG. 2). As seen in FIG. 10, the arm mount 440 may extendperpendicularly through the tilter shaft 430. Preferably both the armmount 440 and the tilter shaft 430 are a metal such as aluminum. The armmount 440 may be welded to the tilter shaft 430. When the arm mount 440is securely attached to the forearm extension 140, the adapter plate 302may be adjusted, rotating about the axis C until the electronic deviceis appropriately positioned. Then the locking mechanism 470 is engagedby, e.g., inserting the set screw into the bore and tightening to closethe slot 406 and the slot 422 to restrict rotation about the axis C. Alock washer 472 and/or a protective washer 474 may separate the head ofthe set screw from the tilter shaft holder 402.

The torsion spring 450 preferably includes a first tang 452 and a secondtang 454. The torsion spring 450 is so dimensioned as to be insertableinto the tilter shaft 430. The tilter shaft 430 preferably includes ahole 432 to receive the first tang 452 in order to secure one end of thetorsion spring 450. After the torsion spring 450 is inserted into thetilter shaft 430, the tension mechanism 460 may be applied.

The tension mechanism 460 preferably includes a body 462, a recess 464,one or more bosses 466 and a cap 468. The body 462 is insertable intothe interior of the torsion spring 450, and the recess 464 receives thesecond tang 454. Before fully inserting the tension mechanism 460, thetorsion spring 450 may be pre-tensioned to achieve a desired torquepreload value by partly inserting the tension mechanism 460 and rotatingit about the axis C. Preferably, the cap 468 is hex-shaped so that auser may employ a conventional hex wrench to pre-tension the torsionspring 450. After pre-tensioning, the tension mechanism 460 may be fullyinserted so that the bosses 466 securely engage the recesses 414.Preferably, the recesses 414 and the bosses 466 are square-shaped. Uponfull insertion of the tension mechanism 460, the cap 468 securelymaintains the torsion spring 450 within the shaft opening 404. Thetension mechanism 460 may be secured by, for example, a retaining screw418 or other device inserted into the hole 416 of the tilter shaftholder 402 to engage the recess 464.

The torsion spring 450 provides a counterbalance or bias to ensure thata heavy and/or bulky electronic device does not cause the adapter plate302 to rotate about the axis C even though the locking mechanism 470 isengaged. The torsion spring 450 may be selected depending upon theweight of the electronic device attached to the adapter plate 302. Thetorsion spring 450 is preferably made from steel spring wire.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A tilting device for supporting a user device, comprising: an adapterplate attachable to the user device; a tilter assembly including: atilter shaft holder coupled to the adapter plate and having a firstopening aligned along an axis; a shaft received within the first openingso as to be rotatable about the axis, the shaft having a generallycylindrical one piece body including a receptacle therein; and a torsionspring received within the receptacle of the generally cylindrical onepiece body of the shaft along a first location, wherein the torsionspring resists rotation of the shaft about the axis and providescounterbalance to the user device; and an arm mount fixedly attached tothe tilter shaft along a second location spaced apart from the firstlocation.
 2. A tilting device for supporting a user device, comprising:an adapter plate attachable to the user device; a tilter assemblyincluding: a tilter shaft holder coupled to the adapter plate and havinga first opening aligned along an axis; a shaft received within the firstopening so as to be rotatable about the axis; and a torsion springreceived within the shaft along a first location, wherein the torsionspring resists rotation of the shaft about the axis and providescounterbalance to the user device; and an arm mount fixedly attached tothe tilter shaft along a second location spaced apart from the firstlocation; further comprising a locking mechanism for engaging the tiltershaft holder, wherein the locking mechanism is a set screw adapted tothreadedly engage the tilter shaft holder and wherein the lockingmechanism is adapted to prevent rotation about the axis.
 3. The tiltingdevice of claim 1, further comprising a bushing received within thefirst opening in the tilter shaft holder, the bushing receiving theshaft therein.
 4. The tilting device of claim 3, wherein the tiltershaft holder includes a pair of tilter shaft holders disposed on eitherside of the arm mount, the bushing includes a pair of bushings receivedwithin the pair of tilter shaft holders, and the torsion springcomprises a pair of torsion springs received within the shaft and thepair of tilter shaft holders.
 5. The tilting device of claim 4, whereina first one of the pair of tilter shaft holders is disposed at a firstend of the shaft and a second one of the pair of tilter shaft holders isdisposed at a second end of the shaft.
 6. The tilting device of claim 3,further comprising a set screw adapted to threadedly engage the tiltershaft holder for restricting rotation of the tilting device about theaxis, wherein the tilter shaft holder and the bushing each have a slotdisposed along the axis, and when the set screw fully engages the tiltershaft holder both the tilter shaft holder slot and the bushing slot arecompressible to restrict rotation about the axis.
 7. A tilting device,comprising: an adapter plate for attaching to a device; a tilterassembly including: a tilter shaft holder coupled to the adapter plateand having a first opening aligned along an axis; a shaft receivedwithin the first opening so as to be rotatable about the axis; an armmount coupled to the shaft and adapted to engage a support; a torsionspring received within the shaft, wherein the torsion spring resistsrotation of the shaft about the axis and provides counterbalance to thedevice; and a tension mechanism for adjustably tensioning the torsionspring.
 8. A tilting device comprising: an adapter plate for attachingto a device; a tilter assembly including: a tilter shaft holder coupledto the adapter plate and having a first opening aligned along an axis; ashaft received within the first opening so as to be rotatable about theaxis; an arm mount coupled to the shaft and adapted to engage a support;a torsion spring received within the shaft, wherein the torsion springresists rotation of the shaft about the axis and provides counterbalanceto the device; and a tension mechanism for adjustably tensioning thetorsion spring, wherein the tension mechanism includes a body portionthat is insertable into the torsion spring.
 9. A tilting device,comprising an adapter plate for attaching to a device; a tilter assemblyincluding: a tilter shaft holder coupled to the adapter plate and havinga first opening aligned along an axis; a shaft received within the firstopening so as to be rotatable about the axis; an arm mount coupled tothe shaft and adapted to engage a support; a torsion spring receivedwithin the shaft, wherein the torsion spring resists rotation of theshaft about the axis and provides counterbalance to the device; and atension mechanism for adjustably tensioning the torsion spring, whereinthe tension mechanism includes at least one boss and the tilter shaftholder includes at least one recess, and after pretensioning the boss isinserted into the recess such that the torsion spring is securelyreceived within the shaft.
 10. The tilting device of claim 9, whereinthe boss and the recess are square-shaped.
 11. The tilting device ofclaim 7, wherein the torsion spring includes a first tang at a first endthereof, the first tang being operable to engage the shaft.
 12. Thetilting device of claim 11, wherein the first tang protrudes from thetorsion spring to engage an opening on the shaft.
 13. The tilting deviceof claim 1, further comprising a plug, wherein the torsion springfurther includes a second tang at a second end of the torsion spring,and the plug is adapted to engage the second tang and the tilter shaftholder.
 14. The tilting device of claim 13, wherein the plug includes atleast one boss and the tilter shaft holder includes at least one recessfor receiving the boss.
 15. A tilting device for adjustably mounting anelectronic device, comprising: a tilter shaft holder having an openingaligned along an axis; a shaft received within the opening and rotatableabout the axis; an arm mount coupled generally perpendicular to theshaft at a first position and adapted to engage a support; means forcoupling the tilting device to the electronic device; a torsion springreceived within the shaft at a second position spaced apart from thefirst position along the length of the shaft, wherein the torsion springresists rotation of the shaft about the axis and provides counterbalanceto the electronic device; and further comprising a means for restrictingrotation of the tilting device about the axis, wherein the means forrestricting rotation is a set screw adapted to threadedly engage thetilter shaft holder.
 16. A tilting device for adjustably mounting anelectronic device, comprising: a tilter shaft holder having an openingaligned along an axis; a shaft received within the opening and rotatableabout the axis; an arm mount coupled generally perpendicular to theshaft at a first position and adapted to engage a support; means forcoupling the tilting device to the electronic device; a torsion springreceived within the shaft at a second position spaced apart from thefirst position along the length of the shaft, wherein the torsion springresists rotation of the shaft about the axis and provides counterbalanceto the electronic device; a bushing received within the opening of thetilter shaft holder, the bushing receiving the shaft therein; and a setscrew adapted to threadedly engage the tilter shaft holder forrestricting rotation of the tilting device about the axis; wherein thetilter shaft holder and the bushing each have a slot disposed along theaxis, and when the set screw fully engages the tilter shaft holder boththe tilter shaft holder slot and the bushing slot compress such thatrotation about the axis is restricted.
 17. A tilting device comprising:an adapter plate for attaching to a device; a tilter shaft holdercoupled to the adapter plate and having an opening aligned along anaxis; a shaft received within the opening so as to be rotatable aboutthe axis, the shaft having a generally cylindrical one piece bodyincluding a receptacle therein; a mounting device positioned at a firstlocation along the shaft, the mounting device being operable to connectthe tilting device to an extension arm; and a wound spring devicereceived within the receptacle of the shaft at a second locationadjacent to the first location, wherein the spring device is adapted toprovide counterbalance to the device.
 18. A tilting device, comprising:an adapter plate for attaching to a device; a tilter shaft holdercoupled to the adapter plate and having an opening aligned along anaxis; a shaft received within the opening so as to be rotatable aboutthe axis; a spring device received within the shaft, wherein the springdevice is adapted to provide counterbalance to the device; and a tensionmechanism operable to adjustably tension the spring device, wherein thetension mechanism includes a body portion that is insertable into thespring device.
 19. An adjustable extension apparatus for mounting a userdevice, comprising: a first channel member having a first end and asecond end opposite the first end thereof; a second channel memberhaving a first end and a second end opposite the first end thereof; afirst endcap having first and second ends, the first end of the firstendcap being coupled to the first channel member about the first endthereof and to the second channel member about the first end thereof,the second end of the first endcap being attachable to a supportstructure; a second endcap having first and second ends, the first endof the second endcap being coupled to the first channel member about thesecond end thereof and to the second channel member about the second endthereof; a tilter shaft holder having a first opening aligned along anaxis and being connectable to the user device; a shaft coupled to thesecond end of the second endcap, the shaft being at least partlyreceived within the first opening for rotation about the axis; and meansfor creating torsional resistance between the tilter shaft holder andthe shaft; wherein the first and second channel members and the firstand second endcaps are configured to form an adjustable parallelogram.20. A mounting apparatus for a user device, comprising: a first channelmember having a first end and a second end opposite the first endthereof; a second channel member having a first end and a second endopposite the first end thereof; a first endcap having first and secondends, the first end of the first endcap being coupled to the firstchannel member about the first end thereof and to the second channelmember about the first end thereof, the second end of the first endcapbeing attachable to a support structure; a second endcap having firstand second ends, the first end of the second endcap being coupled to thefirst channel member about the second end thereof and to the secondchannel member about the second end thereof; a tilter shaft holderhaving a first opening aligned along an axis and being connectable tothe user device; a shaft coupled to the second end of the second endcapand being rotatable about the axis of the tilter shaft holder; a springdevice received within the shaft for counterbalancing the user device;and a tension mechanism for adjustably tensioning the spring device. 21.A mounting apparatus for a user device, comprising: a first channelmember having a first end and a second end opposite the first endthereof; a second channel member having a first end and a second endopposite the first end thereof; a first endcap having first and secondends, the first end of the first endcap being coupled to the firstchannel member about the first end thereof and to the second channelmember about the first end thereof, the second end of the first endcapbeing attachable to a support structure; a second endcap having firstand second ends, the first end of the second endcap being coupled to thefirst channel member about the second end thereof and to the secondchannel member about the second end thereof; a tilter shaft holderhaving a first opening aligned along an axis and being connectable tothe user device; a shaft coupled to the second endcap and beingrotatable about the axis of the tilter shaft holder; a spring devicereceived within the shaft for counterbalancing the user device; and atension mechanism for adjustably tensioning the spring device, whereinthe tension mechanism includes a boss and the tilter shaft holderincludes a recess, and after an initial tensioning of the spring devicethe boss is inserted into the recess such that the spring device issecurely received within the shaft.
 22. A tilting device comprising: atilter shaft holder adapted to be coupled to a first member, the holderhaving an opening aligned along an axis; a shaft received within theopening so as to be rotatable about the axis, the shaft adapted to becoupled to a second member by an arm mount attached substantiallyperpendicular to the shaft at a first position therealong; a torsionspring operatively connected to the shaft at a second position along thelength of the shaft different from the first position, wherein thetorsion spring is adapted to provide torsional resistance between thefirst and second members; and a bushing received between the opening ofthe tilter shaft holder and the shaft, the bushing including a slotdisposed along the axis; wherein the bushing slot is compressible suchthat rotation of the shaft about the axis is restricted.
 23. A tiltingdevice, comprising: a tilter shaft holder adapted to be coupled to afirst member, the holder having an opening aligned along an axis; ashaft received within the opening so as to be rotatable about the axis,the shaft adapted to be coupled to a second member; a torsion springoperatively connected to the shaft, wherein the torsion spring isadapted to provide torsional resistance between the first and secondmembers; and an assembly for adjusting the torsion of the torsionspring, wherein the assembly includes a boss, the tilter shaft holderincludes a recess, and the boss is insertable into the recess such thatthe torsion spring is securely received within the shaft.
 24. Thetilting device of claim 23, wherein the tilter shaft holder comprises apair of tilter shaft holders each having an opening aligned along theaxis, and the shaft is received within both of the openings so as to berotatable about the axis.
 25. A tilting device comprising: a tiltershaft holder adapted to be coupled to a first member, the holder havingan opening aligned along an axis; a shaft received within the opening soas to be rotatable about the axis, the shaft adapted to be coupled to asecond member; a means for creating torsional resistance between thefirst and second members; and means for adjustably tensioning thetorsional resistance.